IRNA � Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Friday that China firmly opposes US recent decision to end sanctions waiver against Iran.

�The US has chosen to stick to its maximum pressure campaign on Iran,� Lijian said addressing a regular press conference.

�The US has not only unilaterally withdrawn from the JCPOA in violation of the UNSCR, but also ratcheted up efforts to thwart other parties� implementation of the deal,� he added.

�Its latest decision to end sanctions waiver on relevant nuclear projects hampers the international non-proliferation progress and shared efforts to preserve the JCPOA,� Chinese diplomat noted.

�It demonstrates its consistent pattern of unilateral and hegemonic practice,� Lijian said adding, �China is firmly opposed to that.�

�The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a multilateral agreement endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, is an important component of the international non-proliferation regime and is essential to peace and stability in the Middle East," the diplomat added

�Arrangements in this deal regarding nuclear programs reflects a balance of Iran�s non-proliferation obligations and rights to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and embodies the purpose and principle of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons,� Lijian said.

�Complying with and acting on these arrangements serves all parties� common interests and is a shared responsibility,� he added.

�The Arak reactor conversion is an important part of the JCPOA and a joint project of parties to the agreement. China is ready to work with other parties to continue upholding the deal and safeguarding its own legitimate rights and interests.�

US Secretary of State in a message earlier said, �Today, I am ending the sanctions waiver for JCPOA-related projects in Iran, effective in 60 days. Iran�s continued nuclear escalation makes clear this cooperation must end.�

�Further attempts at nuclear extortion will only bring greater pressure on the regime,� Pompeo added.

He also blacklisted two more Iranian nuclear officials, saying, "Iran�s scientists need to make a choice: pursue peaceful work outside of the proliferation realm, or risk being sanctioned."